Teutonic Knights were an order that had a major impact on the history of Poland. Every Pole knows the date of the Battle of Tannenberg. In the north of Poland you can find numerous traces of Teutonic presence. The largest and most notable one is the Malbork Castle. Learn more about the Malbork castle and plan your trip.
Malbork – bigger than Windsor
The eye-catching brick walls of this castle appear in most photos of the famous tourist attractions of northern Poland. But the genuine grandiosity of this building can only be admired when you’re here – you will feel very small while standing next to the tall walls. You will definitely respect the people who built it, when you realise it was erected between the 13th and 15th centuries, when nobody heard of advanced levers and modern technologies. Thick walls made of brick undergo regular maintenance, but you will still be surprised that the castle survived the centuries and looks so appealing.
The castle of Malbork is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s visited by half a million people every year. During the tour you can see a few thousand exhibits related to the history of the castle and the Teutonic Order. The extensive collection of weapons, armours and flags, as well as numerous temporary exhibitions, will take you on an exciting journey to the past. You will also see the place where the bullet hit the castle, purportedly destroying it during the Battle of Tannenberg.
Visiting the Malbork Castle – key highlights
You can take a guided tour of the castle or rent an audioguide, whichever you prefer. We strongly recommend a guided tour, because a good guide will make the tour exciting by offering interesting facts and answering you questions as you go. This will help you make the most of this experience and learn more about the history of this place, which dates 7 centuries back.
The tour lasts ca. 3-3.5 hours. You will have the opportunity to see the castle buildings, including the Grand Master’s Palace and St. Mary’s Church. The castle walls are thick, so make sure you have warm clothes even on a sunny day. Comfortable shoes are a must, too. It’s important because the courtyard is paved and during the tour you will have to walk up and down the stairs, in order to reach specific places in the castle complex.
